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Saved from squalor: Inside the case of a feral child
Danielle was rescued from severe abuse about three years ago. (Photo courtesy of the St. Petersburg Times)
Even three years later, he can't forget the little girl peeking out the window.
Few cases of truly feral children have ever been known, but three years ago, in Plant City, detectives discovered a little girl raised in squalor and with almost no human contact.
After months of research, Bay News 9's partner newspaper, the St. Petersburg Times, is sharing the story of this little girl. Bay News 9 is teaming up with them to share the stories of those involved with her rescue.
Holste said he remembers the home in Plant City where the girl was found, the uncut grass in the yard and the terrible conditions inside.
"She was non-verbal,' Holste said. "She couldn't speak, she could make grunting noise, she wore a diaper, she couldn't walk without holding on the walls and stuff. She was extremely fragile and underweight."
Named Danielle, the girl weighed 42 pounds and was covered in insect bites.
"There were literally thousands and thousands of cockroaches everywhere you looked," he said.
Neighbors did not know of Danielle's existence, until she was seen peeking out of her bedroom window one day. Danielle's mother, Michelle Crockett,was arrested for child neglect. She also gave up custody to avoid jail time and still denies doing anything wrong.
Today, Danielle is 9 years old.
She still can't speak, but is making progress with her adopted family out of state. She works with a speech therapist and is learning to adapt to being around people.
"It makes me feel really well, it really does,' Holste said of the girl's progress. "I'm very happy to see that happen (her recovery) because I was concerned that she might die from what I saw."
Helping the helpless
- For information on adoption, go to www.HeartGalleryTampaBay.org or call (813) 229-2884.
- If you think a child you know is being abused, contact this anonymous hotline to report abuse 1-800-962-2873.
- Anyone interested in donating funds to help Danielle's family with her care may send checks directly to:
The Heart Gallery/Danielle
1002 East Palm Ave
Tampa FL 33605
Or Call 813-229-2884
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